Silence
I cannot recall how he came in.
A stranger no doubt he was;dwelling with us.
Who invited him in? Was it you or I?
Yet he made his way in, quietly persistent.
Until we got used to his fleeting presence.
Then gradually he took up more space.
He got bolder tearing down memories.
Wiping out traditions that existed before him.
I told you to let him go.
For I found his presence unbearable.
It was uncomfortable that he lingered ever close..
As if beckoning to be summoned even closer..
I remember the loudness and turmoil that raged in my head.
I remember the memories we started to forget,
As he stripped us bare, he stamped on his marks.
Now his baggage has increased.
And so has his power over us.
For he no longer sits waiting in a corner.
Nor does he hover around waiting to be summoned.
Now he glides around like a landlord.
He has moved his relatives in too.
Each one of them rapidly cloning
And colonizing a prior loved spot.
Now the SILENCE is tangible and is so craved.
The sounds of his presence have become familiar.
Even missed whenever he steps away!
Now my SILENCE has a name!
A name that quiets down the same storm he evokes.
Now there is an attachment so deep, almost familial .
His presence NOW surely feels like HOME .
Copyright © Chinwe Igbozurike | Year Posted 2022
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